Growing with Hattie Jane’s: Kara’s Journey from Kitchen to Multi-Shop Manager
From the very beginning, Hattie Jane’s has been about growing people just as much as growing a strong ice cream brand. Few stories reflect that better than Kara’s. After spending years behind the scenes crafting our ice cream and homemade goods, Kara Blalock has recently stepped into a new chapter — one centered on people, leadership, and helping our shops thrive.
Kara began her journey in 2021 working in the kitchen, where she learned every recipe, every process, and every ingredient that goes into what we serve. By the end of 2025, she felt ready for a change. She wanted to step out of the kitchen and into the shops to strengthen her people skills and continue growing toward her future goals. That transition has shaped the leader she is today.
Because Kara knows our product down to the smallest detail, she brings a deep level of care to the customer experience. Her knowledge allows her to support both staff and guests with confidence, clarity, and intention — whether she’s answering questions, troubleshooting on the floor, or helping teams understand the “why” behind what we do.
As a manager, Kara leads by example. She believes in jumping in, doing what needs to be done, and showing her team how things work through action. She stays active and present in the shops, encouraging her staff through consistency, motivation, and incentives that make daily responsibilities feel rewarding. From structured cleaning lists to clear expectations, her goal is to help teams feel supported and set up for success.
What inspires Kara most about Hattie Jane’s is that it’s a women-owned company. She shares that seeing women lead, build, and grow this business motivates her every day to keep pushing herself, learning, and imagining what’s possible for her own future. Having witnessed the company’s growth from its earlier days to where it is now, she feels proud to be part of a team that continues to expand while staying rooted in strong culture and community.
Stepping into a leadership role has been a new challenge — and one Kara truly embraces. Being able to lead others excites her, even as she navigates the learning curve that comes with it. She’s grateful for the opportunity to grow and works hard to meet that responsibility with intention and heart.
One of Kara’s main goals is to guide younger team members, many of whom are in their first job. She wants them to feel prepared, confident, and excited to walk into their shifts — ready to greet customers and hopefully make at least one person’s day a little brighter. She believes her own attitude sets the tone, and that positivity carries through both staff and guests alike.
When asked what advice she’d give to anyone starting at Hattie Jane’s, Kara keeps it simple and encouraging: you don’t need to know everything on day one. Everything is a learning experience, and questions are always welcome. Don’t be afraid to jump in, try new things, and trust the process — the little kinks (or sprinkles!) will always work themselves out.
We’re so grateful for Kara’s heart, leadership, and dedication, and we’re excited to see how she continues to grow alongside Hattie Jane’s.
